Cycling: Whether it's a one-day classic or a Grand Tour - in the 2019 season there were cycling highlights worth seeing in all areas. The Tour of Flanders, Paris – Roubaix and the Tour de France are particularly popular with fans and professionals. No wonder that these three exciting races are also among our top 10 highlights of the season.
6) Alberto Bettiol wins in Flanders as a blatant underdog
Although Alberto Bettiol most fans before the start of the 103rd edition of the Tour of Flanders was a household name, hardly anyone would have seriously expected the Italian to win. After all, the then 25-year-old had been a professional for several years and hadn't won a single race to date. He was good at some events, but it was never enough for a win. But on April 7, 2019, Alberto Bettiol eclipsed everyone. At the Ronde van Vlaanderen he attacked at the Oude Kwaremont, tore a gap and pulled through to the finish line as a soloist.
5) Nils Politt convinces in the hell of the north
Just one week after the Tour of Flanders, the traditional Paris – Roubaix event takes place. She is affectionately called the mother of all classics, reverentially the hell of the north. Either way, the professional cyclists of each generation can be divided into two halves: those who love Paris – Roubaix and those who love it Paris - Roubaix to hate. undoubtedly heard Nils Politt to the first group. In 2019, the German achieved his best result here. After ranking #7 last year, he just missed out on the big win. With an offensive and courageous driving style, Nils Politt was able to break away from a strong group of favorites just a few kilometers before the finish, together with Philippe Gilbert. Despite miles of management work, he didn't let himself be shaken off. Only in the final sprint in the Roubaix velodrome did he lose out.
4) Egan Bernal conquers the Tour in a hailstorm
Won at just 22 years old Egan Bernal the Tour de France as the youngest professional in post-war history. There is no doubt that the Colombian has taken the Tour of France by storm. The fact that a hailstorm actually played a not insignificant role on the decisive stage is also part of the history of this tour. The 19th part led the pros – at least that was the plan – from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Tignes. However, the peloton never got there by bike. Due to a hail storm, the stage had to be stopped at the top of the Col de l'Iseran. On the final climb, mudslides caused this unusual measure. At the time of the demolition, Egan Bernal was about a minute ahead of the competition - and also won the Tour de France as a result.